Using a TENS Unit for Fibromylagia
Using a TENS Unit for Fibromylagia pain is a vital piece of equipment to alleviate the symptoms of Fibromyalgia.
TENS units (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) are small battery operated devices with attachable leads and electrode pads. The electrode pads can be stuck on the body and via the leads, electrical pulses are transmitted. The gentle electrical pulses feel like very light electric shocks.
TENS UnitMost TENS machines can be clipped to clothing or hung around the neck by
a lanyard. In this way they are completely portable and can be used
throughout the day.
Many TENS units have adjustable settings and
different modes e.g. pulse, boost, burst, massage or constant. You can
adjust the levels of intensity and types of pulse sensations to your
liking.
You do not have to pay a lot for a TENS machine with some of the best ones being under £50.
The electrode pads come in many shapes and sizes and again by trial and error you will find the best size and shape for you.
The
electrode pads will need replacing as they lose their stickiness over
time. You can buy cheap but very effective replacement electrode pads
online from eBay or Amazon for example.
My Experience of using a TENS Unit for Fibromylagia
My own experience of using a TENS unit for Fibromylagiahas been long and extensive. I originally bought an Elle TENS unit with 4 electrode pads. The electrode pads were square shaped and measured just 5cm x 5cm. I found it really effective and bought another one soon after. I sourced some cheap replacement electrodes from eBay. I placed the electrodes on my feet and ankles and sometimes my shins. The Elle TENS unit was easy to use and had different modes, settings and strengths.
From eBay I also bought Conductive Fibre Electrode Gloves and Socks to attach to my TENS units for overall pain relief for my very painful hands and feet but I did not find them effective.
Another thing I tried and did not find effective was a Pain Gone Pen. This was a hand held device shaped like a chunky pen that you pointed at a painful spot on your body. But because my Fibromyalgia pain was virtually all over my body it was not much use.
Because of my widespread pain caused by Fibromyalgia I soon realised I needed yet another Tens machine for my hands and elbows. I bought a Boots TENS Maternity unit which was lightweight and less cumbersome than the Elle TENS machine. Although it was designed for use in labour, it could of course be used for Fibromyalgia pain.
With the Boots TENS unit you get some long electrode pads which are 4cm x 10cm. Because these electrode pads are longer and of course cover more areas of pain they are more effective for pain relief over large areas. You can buy these longer electrode pads from Boots, eBay or Amazon.
Eventually I bought another 2 Boots TENS Maternity units. I tended to use the 3 Boots ones together. You can buy extra long electrode pads 4cm x 33cm for back pain. Because you cannot place electrodes on your chest for Costochondritis pain I used the extra long electrode pads across my back ribs.
Overall using my TENS Unit for Fibromylagia has been a life saver for me to relieve my horrible Fibromyalgia pain. Much better pain relief with zero side effects than any “painkiller” I tried. I highly recommend them.
How do TENS units work?
Blocking pain
They work in two ways. Firstly, the electrical impulses that are emitted via the TENS unit onto the skin block pain messages to the brain. This can be explained by understanding the Gate Control Theory of Pain. This theory of pain suggests that there is a gate mechanism in the brain and spinal cord nerves. When the gate is open pain messages reach the brain and you feel pain. When the gate is closed the pain messages are blocked and you feel no pain.
"TENS machines are thought to stimulate certain non-pain-carrying nerves and close the gate. In effect, the brain is busy dealing with the messages it receives quickly from the TENS machine, rather than the slower (more painful) pain signals that the body is receiving from elsewhere. It explains why, if you injure yourself, rubbing that area can temporarily reduce the pain." tensunit.com
Endorphin release
And secondly the electrical impulses trigger the production of pain relieving and ‘feel good’ endorphins which are released into the body. When you have high endorphin levels you will feel less pain and have reduced stress levels. The effects of Endorphin release has been likened to the effects of opiate drugs such as morphine. So if I'm asked if it is a good idea to use a TENS Unit for Fibromylagia pain, I would have to say yes.
More on TENS Unit for Fibromylagia
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is a non-invasive therapy that involves the use of a TENS unit to deliver low-voltage electrical currents to the body through electrodes placed on the skin. TENS units are commonly used for pain management, including in individuals with Fibromyalgia. Here are some potential benefits of using a TENS unit for Fibromyalgia:
1. Pain Relief: One of the primary benefits of TENS for Fibromyalgia is pain reduction. The electrical stimulation provided by the TENS unit can help to block or interfere with pain signals traveling to the brain. This can provide temporary pain relief and make it easier to manage Fibromyalgia symptoms.
2. Increased Endorphin Release: TENS therapy is believed to stimulate the release of endorphins, which are the body's natural pain-relieving substances. Endorphins can help reduce pain perception and promote a sense of well-being and relaxation.
3. Improved Muscle Relaxation: Fibromyalgia often involves muscle stiffness and tension. TENS therapy can help relax muscles by increasing blood flow, reducing muscle spasms, and decreasing muscle tightness. This can lead to improved flexibility, range of motion, and overall comfort.
4. Drug Free: TENS therapy offers a non-pharmacological approach to managing Fibromyalgia pain. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who prefer to avoid or minimize the use of medications due to potential side effects or drug interactions.
5. Convenient and Portable: TENS units are typically small, portable devices that can be used at home or on the go. This allows individuals with Fibromyalgia to have access to pain relief whenever and wherever they need it, promoting self-management and independence.
6. Reduction in Medication Dependency: Using a TENS unit may help reduce the reliance on pain medications for Fibromyalgia management. By providing effective pain relief, individuals may find they need to use fewer pain medications or lower doses, which can help minimize potential side effects and risks associated with long-term medication use.